Lakeland School Corporation is proud to spotlight the journey of a distinguished alumna, Kiara Smith, who is currently completing her medical degree at the prestigious Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Her path from a Lakeland student to a future pediatrician serves as a powerful example of how the values of hard work, community support, and perseverance fostered at Lakeland can lead to success on the world stage.
Following her graduation from Lakeland, she attended Purdue University, where she majored in Biomedical Health Sciences with minors in English, Psychology, and Biology. Her time at Purdue was marked by intensive research, tutoring, and clinical experience as a medical scribe in a local Emergency Department. These experiences paved the way for her acceptance into Johns Hopkins, where she has spent the last four years. She is currently preparing to "match" into a Pediatrics residency this March, with her intern year beginning this summer.
Reflecting on her journey, she credits her time at Lakeland for instilling the grit necessary for the medical field. "I think the path I’m on requires a lot of focus, hard work, and being realistic about my options and how I can achieve goals, which are all skills I learned at Lakeland," she stated. "Lakeland helped make me self-sufficient but also capable of teamwork and cooperation."
Beyond her clinical studies, she has become a dedicated advocate for first-generation and low-income (FGLI) college students. Having led advocacy groups at both Purdue and Hopkins, she has worked to ensure that students from less wealthy backgrounds find the community and support they need to navigate higher education.
Her success is a tribute to the dedicated educators at Lakeland. She recalls the profound impact of elementary teachers Mrs. Houser, Mrs. Berkey, and Mrs. Amy Sayers. In a particularly moving memory, she noted how Mrs. Sayers supported her family during a difficult year when her sisters were diagnosed with childhood cancer. "She led us with so much joy, optimism, and strength. She even shaved her head! She made every day a bit better during a difficult time."
In high school, role models like Mrs. Pechin, Ms. Severson, Mrs. Jerdon, and Mrs. Norton fostered her passion for science and anatomy. From competing on the state-winning Academic Team to painting parking spots and working on senior projects with her twin sister, Kiara’s Lakeland experience was defined by both academic excellence and community spirit!
When asked what advice she would give to current students walking the same halls today, her message was clear: "If you want something, start asking for it. Find teachers or mentors who can help guide you and tell them what your goal is—no one will know unless you speak up!"
As she prepares to begin her residency in Pediatrics, her bond with Lakeland remains deeply personal. With a niece now attending Lakeland Primary, she feels a renewed responsibility to the next generation. “I still identify strongly with the students walking those halls today,” she shared. “I remember wondering if my goals were out of reach. To me, being part of the Lakeland legacy means proving that success is within a student's own hands through dedication. It’s a personal goal of mine that every student—including my niece—knows that all kinds of futures are available to them if they ask for guidance.”
Lakeland School Corporation is honored to be a part of her legacy and looks forward to her continued success as she enters the medical profession!